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"Rebuilding Palmyra" fundraiser held for fire victims

Eleven families and several business owners who lost everything in a massive fire in Palmyra are getting some much needed help.

Hundreds of people turned out to the Wayne County Fairgrounds for a garage sale geared to raise money for victims of the massive fire that happened back on May 3.

News10NBC was at the garage sale Saturday.

It's been a difficult road for these victims. First, they lose everything. Then, they get devastating news from police: the fire was intentionally set.

Organizers say it's hard to imagine what that must feel like and that's why they are doing whatever they can to help.

Let's be honest. Who doesn't like a bargain?

But for this Palmyra community, this is so much more than your average garage sale.

“I didn't realize there were 11 families affected. I didn't realize there were so many people living above those businesses,” said Audrey McNally.

McNally shelled out hundreds of dollars for a table at the garage sale. Every cent will go to dozens of victims affected by a massive fire back in May.

It was so devastating, this community immediately sprung into action. Their efforts have been relentless.

“I mean, it's hot in here. We're all dripping. These people have been here. I've been here both days and these people are here all the time. They don't get a break so they've been amazing,” said McNally.

A group called "Rebuilding Palmyra" teamed up with the American Legion and the Good Neighbor Fund to create this garage sale. Co-director Steve Marsille is leading the effort.

“I was there at the night of the fire. I knew there were a couple of families that were in the block that burned. I also knew there were some folks that needed to get their lives back together,” said Marsille.

Thousands of donated items were up for sale. Hundreds have made their way down to the fairgrounds for the cause.

Organizers say they credit the turn out to their Facebook page.

“That page has been amazing in getting people together, talking about it. It's a great way to get the needs out there and get people talking about the fund raisers and events we've been having,” said Marsille.

On Sunday the volunteers will be back at it again. All of them have the goal.

“Hey, there's folks on the street. Let's help them,” said Marsille.

Organizers are not sure exactly how much money they have made so far, but they do know it's a pretty good amount."Not just Palmyra, but the whole greater Palmyra community. Looking at the stats on Facebook, we saw clearly there were a lot of folks from Palmyra and Macedon, but we had to reach into 10 countries, 20 states, communities from all over New York State that were responding, talking about the event and offering assistance," said Steve Marsille, co-director for "Rebuilding Palmyra."

Organizers are not sure how much money they have made so far, but they know it's a good amount to help these families and it's not over yet.

On Sunday they'll be at the Wayne County Fairgrounds from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.. Anything that is left will be up for sale at 50-percent off.